Social Sciences…what next? - University College Dublin€¢Several placements –home & abroad...
Transcript of Social Sciences…what next? - University College Dublin€¢Several placements –home & abroad...
Social Sciences…what next?
Sarah BrownCareer & Skills Consultant
Overview
• What do Social Science students do after graduation?
• Where can you research your career possibilities?
• What do you need to consider when making career choices?
• What skills do Social Science students develop?
• How can you stand out to employers?
• What resources can help you?
What can Social Sciences graduates do after college?
Social sciences offers many options…
• Social Work/ Counselling
• Community Work/ Youth Work
• HRM/ Marketing/ Business
• Management Consultancy
• Retail/Administration
• Teaching & Education
• NGO’s/ Voluntary Agencies
• Information Manager/Social Media
• Research
• Accountancy/Taxation
• Public sector – Government/EU
• Graduate Management Trainee programmes
BUT: may require further postgraduate study
What are the class of 2015 doing now?
Final Destination Return Data – College of Social Sciences and Law
Utilise the ‘find alumni’ function
Bachelor of Social Science ► Social Care Worker, St John of God Carmona Service ► Master of Social Work ► Medical Social Worker, Beacon Hospital ► Clinical Social Worker, CAMHS Lucena Clinic ► Secretary CAMHS, IASW
Bachelor of Social Science ►Masters in Advertising ► Account Manager, Dialog Direct ► Consultant, Fullsix ► Senior Account Director, Tribal DDB ► Business Director, Adam&Eve► Head of Tribal DDB Dublin► Head of Brand, EBS ► Head of Digital Marketing & Innovation, AIB
www.gradireland.com
www.prospects.ac.uk
Deciding what is right
for you
It’s more likely that many careers will suit you
How self aware are you?
Values What is important to you? What do you find fulfilling/rewarding?
Interests What do you enjoy?
Personality Preferences What are your characteristics?
Skills What do you do well? Focus on
what energises you
Activity: Consider these questions individually for 5 minutes then discuss with the person next to you for 5 minutes.
Feedback to the class
Profiling for Success – Psychometric Tools
Profiling for Success – Access Codes
Client code: tflhe
Access code:ucd
Password:ucd4
What else should you consider?
• Entry requirements – Are you prepared to complete further study? Are you willing to undertake voluntary work?
• Location – Where do you want to live? Would you be happy to relocate to pursue your career interests?
• Opportunities within the sector – Is it a growth area?
• Contacts – Do you know anyone who works within the sector or in the role?
Research strategies
Research
Use your network
Track developments
Network with professionals
Attend events
Build your experience
Use social media
Talk to employers and alumni to find out about opportunities
Popular options – Graduate programmes and PG study
Graduate Programmes
• Fast track programme for ‘high potential’ graduates in large organisations e.g. Unilever, KPMG, Lidl etc.
• Usually open to ALL graduates
• Creates a ‘pipeline’ of talented people coming through the organisation
• 1-2 years structured programme of training
• Several placements – home & abroad
• Training & development provided
• Usually requires a 2.1 degree
• Highly competitive
Graduate Application Process
• Application timeframe– ‘Milkround’ – Recruitment focused September-Dec each year for
opportunities starting the following Summer/Autumn
– Ongoing – Some companies recruit all year
• Application process– Online applications (4-5 hours per application)
– Upload CV/Cover letter
• Recruitment process– Several stages including psychometric assessment, interview,
assessment centre etc.
Why undertake PG study?
Why Graduate Study?
Development of expertise to work within a specific profession
Interest in the subject matter/area of study
Academic and research careers
Enhance your competitiveness in the job market
Train to work in a different career area
Conversion Courses
Intensive postgraduate programmes that allow you to pursue a career that your undergraduate degree or professional career hasn’t prepared you for
Examples:
• Accountancy
• Journalism
• Law
• Teaching
• Librarianship
• Computer Science
• Psychology
• Medicine
What do graduate employers want?
The ‘perfect’ graduate
Academic achievement
Work experience
Understands the role/company/sector Transferable
skillsEngaged with
their community
CBI Survey 2012
• For 80% of employers, degree subject is less important in the selection of future employees than employability skills and work experience
Confederation of British Industry (2012) ‘Building for Growth: Business Priorities for Education and Skills’.
Common Graduate Skills
Effective Communicator
TeamworkCommercial awareness
Problem-solving ability
Analytical thinking
Initiative
AdaptabilityAttention to
detail
THINK What skills have you developed from your course?
• Research (qualitative and quantitative)
• Analytical ability
• Communication skills, both oral & written (incl. report writing)
• Project management
• Problem solving
• Team work
• ICT
Everything You Do Counts!
• Part-time jobs
• College – get involved!
• Internships
• Volunteering
• Sports
• Clubs / Societies – be active
What transferable skills would you develop as a… waiter?
• Take orders and respond to customer requests = communication skills
• Work effectively with fellow waiters and chefs = teamwork
• Handle cash and work within a commercial environment = business awareness
• Timekeeping/punctuality
• Cope well under pressure
John & Jane – how do they compare?
John’s CV
Bachelor of Civil Law 2.1 honours
Nothing outside the library
Jane’s CV
Bachelor of Civil Law 2.1 honours
Internship Part-time work Volunteer with Student
Legal Service Auditor – L&H UCD Peer Mentor Ladies hockey team Secretary – UCD
Juggling Society And lots more..
What can you do to kick start your career?
To enhance your career development…
Be open to opportunities (however random they seem)
Seek out experience if you can’t find what you are looking for
Talk to people – graduates & professionals working in careers of interest to you. Set up informational interviews and organise work shadowing
Build up your network – utilise LinkedIn and professional associations
Keep in touch once you’ve built up relationships
Try to make the most of all situations
Start a Careers Journal to note down ideas, observations and useful information
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Kathleen Mitchell: The unplanned career 2003
‘Careers are seldom planned but are often developed by being
aware of and acting on the landmarks that appear on the way’
Taking Action
Write down 3 actions that you will take
Make sure they are SMART goals
Current1-3 years
Target 3-5 years
Target End Goal
Where I am now - How do I get there - Desired destination
Take time when preparing applications
What do employers need to know before they hire you?Can you do the job?
Will you? Will you fit in?
Tailoring your C.V. to the Role
Step 2: Think of Evidence or Examples you
Could Include to Match That Competency
Class project?
Football Team?
Fencing Society?
Summer job?
Volunteering?
STEP 3: Edit your C.V. and Cover Letter to Highlight the Evidence of These Key Skills
Key words in Job Spec
Evidence and similar language
Examples and evidence on C.V
Stand out from the crowd!
Highlight the benefits of hiring you
• Achievements e.g. Dean of Students’ Roll of Honour for Contribution to College Life
• Distinctions e.g. scholarship, prizes, place in class
• Key Contributions/ special projects
Customise every application
Be specific
• “Responsibility for training two new research assistants in Summer 2014 ”
• “Managed and motivated a team of five sales agents to exceed quarterly sales targets in all four quarters in 2013”
Include outcomes where possible
• “Led a team of three in presenting our research in the Economic Forum where we achieved 90%, came first in the College and will represent Trinity in the National competition.”
Demonstrate teamwork, leadership potential and confidence
What resources can you utilise to support your career development?
Online Resources• www.ucd.ie/careers• www.10minuteswith.com - Insider Interviews• www.careerplayer.com – Podcasts• www.icould.com – Videos of diverse career stories• www.gradireland.com – Irish graduate career resources• www.activelink.ie - Online network for non-profit organisations• www.volunteer.ie - Volunteer Ireland• www.lawcareers.net – law careers• www.legal500.com – legal market information
• www.prospects.ac.uk – UK graduate resources incl. options with your degree• www.targetjobs.co.uk – Sample CVs/Interview Q&A• www.insidecareers.co.uk – UK careers and internships• www.glassdoor.com – Company profiles & employee reviews• www.europeanmovement.ie – EU internships• www.Mastersportal.eu – Global postgraduate study • www.findamasters.com/ - Global postgraduate study• www.vault.com – US careers site
www.ucd.ie/careersWhat Does UCD Career Development Centre Offer?
Events
Quick Query Appointments
• 20 minute individual appointment
• Specific CV appointments every morning
• Come prepared
– Printed up to date CV & cover letter, printed job description
• Book appointment online www.ucd.ie/careers
– Bookings from 8am on the day (high demand in semester)
UCD Career Development Centre Online
http://www.ucd.ie/careers UCD Careers Connect @ucdcareers facebook.com/ucdcareers
Sarah BrownCareer & Skills ConsultantUCD Career Development Centre